Regional Brands Continue to Add Local Flavor to AIRMALL Offerings at Baltimore/Washington International Airport; National Retailers Sign Leases for Space in New Facilities

Business Wire, March 23, 2005

BALTIMORE -- Business is booming at the AIRMALL(R) at the Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) and local retailers are seizing the opportunity to share their popular concepts with the world. Charlie Chiang's KWAI and Mayorga Coffee are the latest local brands opening up shop at the international airport. They join the ranks of international retailers -- Auntie Anne's Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels(R), Borders, Nectar and Sunglass Hut -- also opening new locations at BWI. The new retail and concessions program, being phased in over the next 18 to 24 months by developer BAA Maryland and the Maryland Aviation Administration, is part of the state's $1.8 billion capital expansion program at the airport.

Mark Knight, BAA USA vice president and regional director, said, "We are delighted to welcome regional and local brands to the AIRMALL. Offering the millions of visitors who travel through BWI the national brands they recognize as well as the flavor of the region is a top priority for us. We believe intermingling national and local brands provides the best of both worlds for our consumers."

Coffee connoisseurs will savor the fresh roasted offerings from Mayorga Coffee opening in the A/B core in May. George Walker, lead partner of BWI Partners, the operator managing the kiosk explained, "We are very excited to be working with BAA in Baltimore and participating in the airport's growth. I first started working with BAA back in 1997 when I opened a Mont Blanc store at the Pittsburgh AIRMALL. When you are opening a new business, it's important to know the developer." The 500-square-foot unit just beyond the security checkpoint will be a smaller version of the popular cafes in Bethesda, Germantown, Silver Spring and Rockville and will feature a full espresso bar, assorted teas, fresh pastries and desserts.

Another local entrepreneur, Charlie Chiang, will expand his Gaithersburg-based company by opening Charlie Chiang's KWAI in the A/B core this May. Since 1976, Chiang has been serving patrons in Virginia and Washington D.C. his contemporary interpretation of traditional Chinese cuisine. KWAI is the Chinese word for fast, which fits in with the pace of busy travelers. The restaurant will feature soups, stir fry, noodle dishes, and fresh sushi, perfect for AIRMALL-TO-GO or carry-on eating.

Weary travelers can rejuvenate their body and spirit with products from Nectar, a European natural bath and body care store, opening in the A/B core mid-summer. Nectar, whose U.S. headquarters is based in Maryland, sells quality care products that add to a sense of well-being and pleasure. Customers can choose from aromatherapy, natural bath and body and skin care products made with quality essential oils. None of their products are tested on animals.

For airport passengers heading to sun-drenched, tropical destinations, the Sunglass Hut opening in the A/B core in May offers brand-name eyewear from top designers like Versace, Dolce and Gabbana, Oakley, and Ray-Ban. Sunglass Hut International, part of Luxottica Group, which also includes LensCrafters and EyeMed, is recognized as a leader in specialty niche retailing with 1500 locations around the world.

Airplane travel wouldn't be complete without a book or magazine to help pass the time or to curl up with on a beach vacation. Borders, a leading global retailer of books, opening in the A/B core in May, offers customers the excellent service and convenience of a bookstore in an airport mall setting. The store will carry best-selling books, magazines and newspapers.

Tempting passengers' palettes with the aroma of fresh baked goods will be the first Auntie Anne's Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels(R) opening in concourse A in May. Auntie Anne's, Inc. an international family-owned, franchise organization will be locally operated by Doug and Germaine Letridge of Columbia, Maryland. "We are delighted to open our first franchise with our company Brodie Enterprises, LLC. I'm a retired pharmaceutical sales representative and I wanted to keep busy. This business opportunity is ideal," commented Mr. Letridge. Mixed, twisted, and baked to a golden brown, Auntie Anne's pretzels come in flavors like Glazin' Raisin(R), Cinnamon Sugar, Garlic, Whole Wheat, Sour Cream and Onion. Customers can also choose from a variety of dipping sauces and Old Fashioned Lemonade(TM).

With BAA Maryland's guarantee of 'regular mall' prices (1-800-ITS-FAIR), customers will not be overcharged for their next meal, or retail purchase, because they're at the airport. The shops and eateries at Baltimore/Washington International Airport are open 365 days. Store hours vary.

About BAA

BAA Maryland, the developer and manager of a new retail program at BWI Airport, has begun the first phases of the two-year project, which encompasses approximately 140,000 square feet of new and refurbished concession space. A variety of retailers and eateries will be opening new and interim stores throughout the project.

BAA Maryland is a project of BAA USA, an affiliate of BAA plc, the world's leading airport company. BAA owns and operates seven UK airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Southampton, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow). BAA manages all operations of the Indianapolis International Airport and is the master developer and manager of the retail, food and beverage operations in the AIRMALL(R) at Pittsburgh International Airport and at Boston Logan International Airport Terminals B and D/E. BAA has taken significant shareholdings in international airports including Naples, Italy. BAA has a stake in six airports in Australia with major retail programs in Melbourne and Perth.